By: Reid Murphy

According to the United States Lifeguarding Association, the first official lifeguard competition took place in 1967, when lifeguards from opposite sides of the country gathered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the East West Lifeguard Championship.  

Since then, lifeguard competitions have been an ever-growing demonstration of athletic ability. The multi-day events are made up an array of physical challenges. Open-water-swimming races, soft sand foot races, timed rescue simulations, and paddle battles, take place on the hosting organizations-beach, in invitational style contests.  

Interested in seeing it for yourself? Catch Atlantic Beach Ocean Rescue’s “Battle for The Tower,” which takes place every summer in mid-June. This inter-organizational competition is a friendly competition meant to boost the organization’s moral and share the sport with the community.